5. A multinational enterprise decides to make a large investment in Gondomar, a less developed country. Examine the possible economic costs and benefits of this decision for the economy of Gondomar.
8. As an economist, how would you tackle the task of comparing the welfare of a citizen of a country like India with that of a citizen of a country like the United States? What would be the main problems involved?
9. What are the economic costs and benefits which a less developed country can expect when it receives aid from a more developed country? Explain whether aid or trade would be more effective.
11. (a) What are the different forms that international aid might take? (10) (b) Discuss the view that giving aid simply creates the need for further aid. (15)
13. (a)What is ‘foreign direct investment’ (fdi) and what role does it play in the economic development of less developed countries? (12) (b) Compare the effectiveness of fdi with other sources of investment. (13)
15. A country decides to change from an inward oriented development strategy to an outward oriented development strategy. (a) What changes in economic policy would be made? (12) (b) Discuss the likely consequences of this change in policy. (13)
16. (a)Discuss the main problems involved in measuring he national income of a country. (12) (b) Why do many economists prefer to use composite indexes, such as the Human Development Index, as well as national income figures, to indicate living standards? (13)
17. Is economic growth compatible with the protection of the environment? Discuss with reference to sustainable development.
18. (a) Under what circumstances might a country achieve economic growth without economic development? (12) (b) Evaluate the effectiveness of outward-orientated strategies in achieving growth and development. (13)
(b) Do multi-national corporations help or hinder the less developed countries?(15)
20. (a) What are the arguments in favor of unrestricted flows of financial capital between countries? (15) (b) How might unrestricted capital flows be damaging to less developed countries? (10)
21. “According to the World Bank, an extra 10 billion dollars in aid could lift 25 million people a year out of poverty - so long as it went to poor countries that manage their economies well. The same sum spent across the current distribution of aid recipients would lift only 7 million out of poverty.”
(a) What are the economic arguments in favor of using aid as part of a development policy for less developed countries? (12)
(b) How far would you agree with the World Bank view that aid has failed as a development policy because of the poor economic management policies that less developed countries have adopted? (13)
22. (a) Using examples, explain the difference between economic growth and economic development. (10) (b) Is economic growth always a desirable policy objective for a government? (15)
23. To what extent has the international trading system contributed to economic growth and development in less developed countries?
24. (a) Describe the main barriers to economic development that countries may experience. (b) Evaluate the view that countries with a more equal distribution of income and wealth are more likely to experience higher levels of development.
26. (a) Explain how economists might measures the extent to which living standards vary between countries. (b) Evaluate the ways in which More Developed Countries might help Less Developed Countries to raise living standards.
27. (a) Explain the different forms of aid that may be available to a developing nation. (b) To what extent is aid effective in terms of addressing the problems faced by LDCs?
28. (a) Using examples, describe various sources of funds available to developing countries through trade and aid (10 marks) (b) Evaluate trade and aid as a means of achieving economic growth and development (15 marks)
29. (a) Explain the main characteristics of a market economy (10 marks) (b) Evaluate the proposition that economic development is best achieved through the market system (15 marks)
30. (a) Explain two significant barriers to economic growth in LDC’s (b) Evaluate strategies that may be used to overcome the two barriers identified in (a) (15 marks)
31. (a) Explain how an increase in the quantity and quality of a nation’s factors of production can promote economic development (10 marks) (b) Evaluate the impact of globalization on the economic development of developing countries (15 marks)
32. (a) explain why a firm may benefit from becoming a multinational corporation (10 points) (b) evaluate the effectiveness of FDI as a means of achieving economic growth and economic development in a less developed country (15 points)
33. (a) Explain the various types of aid which a developing country might achieve (10 marks) (b) ‘Aid is an effective means of promoting the development of poorer countries.’ Evaluate this statement. (15 points)
34. (a) Explain three institutional factors that may contribute to potential economic growth in developing countries (10 marks)
(b) Evaluate the view that economic growth will lead to economic development (15 marks)
35. (a) Explain how economic development might be measured (10 marks) (b) Evaluate the view that the most effective way that a government could improve the welfare of its citizens is through the pursuit of faster economic growth. (15 marks)
36. (a) Explain three barriers to economic development for developing countries (10 marks) (b) Evaluate the view that trade is more effective than aid in achieving economic development (15 marks)
Short Essays
37. In 1980 Country A (a hypothetical economy) had a Gross National Product of $100 billion, and by 1988 its Gross National Product was $150 billion. What factors must be considered in comparing welfare in 1980 with that in 1988.
39. Why is the concept of income elasticity of demand useful to economists studying the economic development of countries?
40. How might an economy be affected by an increase in the average age of a population?
41. Gondomar and Bayona are two neighboring countries. Gondomar has a higher rate of investment whereas Bayona spends a higher proportion of its national income on consumer goods. How might these differences affect their relative growth rates in the future?
42. Which indicators, other than National Income, might be used to measure welfare?
43. How might the ‘entrepreneur’ play a role in international development?
44. Briefly contrast the policies of export promotion and import substitution as growth strategies in developing countries.
45. Bayona is a less developed country with only one main export, rice. It imports virtually everything else. Explain how Bayona can be affected by changes in the terms of trade.
46. Using a production possibility curve, explain the difference between a country’s actual growth rate and its potential growth rate.
47. Explain how income elasticity of demand can affect the balance of payments of a developing country.
48. Why ‘growth’ is not exactly the same thing as ‘development’
49. As an economy develops, a movement is often observed from primary to secondary to tertiary industry. Suggest reasons why this happens.
50. Why might a less developed country find it difficult to increase investment as a percentage of GDP?
51. The government of a Less Developed Country introduces a national lottery in order to collect revenue. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?
52. Why is the debt problem of Less Developed Countries also a problem for More Developed Countries?
53. Why are vegetables from Africa on sale in European shops, while many Africans are under-nourished?
54. Use a production possibility curve to explain the opportunity costs faced by a country choosing whether to consume or invest
55. A country with an ‘inward oriented’ development strategy changes to an ‘outward oriented’ strategy. Outline the differences which will be noticed by its citizens.
56. Explain what is meant by the phrase ‘sustainable development’ and discuss ways in which governments can encourage it to take place.
57. Outline the possible advantages of a country specialising in manufactured goods instead of primary products.
58. A Less Developed Country exports tea and imports most of its consumer durables. Explain why the terms of trade are likely to move against this country and discuss the consequences.
59. Explain why primary school education for girls is considered by many economists to be particularly worthwhile investment in Less Developed Countries?
60. What do you understand by the term ‘sustainable development’? Give an example of development, which you believe is not sustainable, and explain why.
61. The government of a Less Developed Country decides to reduce the extent of income and wealth inequality. What methods could the government use to achieve its goal?
63. As countries reach an advanced stage of development, the tertiary sector tends to expand relatively faster than the primary and secondary sectors. Why is this the case?
64. Poor people in less developed countries often derive little benefit from economic growth. Why might this be so?
66. In what ways might a more equal distribution of income contribute to economic development?
67. Why might a less developed country find difficulty in maintaining stable export revenues?
68. Explain two reasons why international indebtedness is a problem for less developed countries.
69. Explain two ways in which multinational corporations might hinder the development of less developed countries.
70. Use a production possibility curve to explain the distinction between economic growth and economic development
71. Use the Harrod-Domar model to explain the barriers to growth that may be faced by developing countries.
72. Use production possibility curve diagrams to explain the differences between actual output and potential output and between economic growth and economic development.
73. Explain how overdependence on primary products may act as a barrier to economic development.
74. Explain why economic growth is likely to generate external costs, which are a threat to sustainable development.
75. Explain the difference between outward-oriented and inward-oriented growth strategies.
76. Explain two ways in which the international indebtedness of developing countries might hinder their growth and development.
77. Explain which is likely to be higher in a Less Developed Country, Gross National Product or Gross Domestic Produst?
SECTION FIVE QUESTIONS (DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS)
1. How could industrialized countries best assist less developed countries to achieve higher levels of real income?
2. What are the determinants of economic growth?
3. Do the activities of multinational companies help or hinder the progress of economic development? Justify your answer.
4. Some economists have begun to refer to some countries as Newly Industrialized Countries (nics). Explain and discuss the strategies that a Less Developed Country (ldc) might adopt if it wishes to become a nic.
5. A multinational enterprise decides to make a large investment in Gondomar, a less developed country. Examine the possible economic costs and benefits of this decision for the economy of Gondomar.
6. Some countries, such as India, have tended to use inward orientated development strategies, while others, such as South Korea, have used outward orientated strategies. Describe the main features of each type of strategy, and discuss and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages.
7. What government policies can encourage rapid and sustainable economic development? Is development possible without government intervention?
8. As an economist, how would you tackle the task of comparing the welfare of a citizen of a country like India with that of a citizen of a country like the United States? What would be the main problems involved?
9. What are the economic costs and benefits which a less developed country can expect when it receives aid from a more developed country? Explain whether aid or trade would be more effective.
10. Explain how and why economists are attempting to find ways of measuring economic ‘development’ as distinct from ‘growth’.
11. (a) What are the different forms that international aid might take? (10)
(b) Discuss the view that giving aid simply creates the need for further aid. (15)
12. (a) What are the main forms of ‘aid’ provided for Less Developed Countries? (10)
(b) What is more effective in promoting development, aid or trade?
13. (a)What is ‘foreign direct investment’ (fdi) and what role does it play in the economic development of less developed countries? (12)
(b) Compare the effectiveness of fdi with other sources of investment. (13)
14. (a) What factors explain the growth in importance of multinational corporations over recent decades? Illustrate your answer where possible by making reference to your own or other countries. (12)
(b) Do multinational corporations work in favor of, or against the interests of Less Developed Countries? (13)
15. A country decides to change from an inward oriented development strategy to an outward oriented development strategy.
(a) What changes in economic policy would be made? (12)
(b) Discuss the likely consequences of this change in policy. (13)
16. (a)Discuss the main problems involved in measuring he national income of a country. (12)
(b) Why do many economists prefer to use composite indexes, such as the Human Development Index, as well as national income figures, to indicate living standards? (13)
17. Is economic growth compatible with the protection of the environment? Discuss with reference to sustainable development.
18. (a) Under what circumstances might a country achieve economic growth without economic development? (12)
(b) Evaluate the effectiveness of outward-orientated strategies in achieving growth and development. (13)
19. (a) Why have multinational corporations grown so rapidly in recent decades?(10)
(b) Do multi-national corporations help or hinder the less developed countries?(15)
20. (a) What are the arguments in favor of unrestricted flows of financial capital between countries? (15)
(b) How might unrestricted capital flows be damaging to less developed countries? (10)
21. “According to the World Bank, an extra 10 billion dollars in aid could lift 25 million people a year out of poverty - so long as it went to poor countries that manage their economies well. The same sum spent across the current distribution of aid recipients would lift only 7 million out of poverty.”
(a) What are the economic arguments in favor of using aid as part of a development policy for less developed countries? (12)
(b) How far would you agree with the World Bank view that aid has failed as a development policy because of the poor economic management policies that less developed countries have adopted? (13)
22. (a) Using examples, explain the difference between economic growth and economic development. (10)
(b) Is economic growth always a desirable policy objective for a government? (15)
23. To what extent has the international trading system contributed to economic growth and development in less developed countries?
24. (a) Describe the main barriers to economic development that countries may experience.
(b) Evaluate the view that countries with a more equal distribution of income and wealth are more likely to experience higher levels of development.
25. Evaluate the view that investment in human capital is the most effective way to promote economic development.
26. (a) Explain how economists might measures the extent to which living standards vary between countries.
(b) Evaluate the ways in which More Developed Countries might help Less Developed Countries to raise living standards.
27. (a) Explain the different forms of aid that may be available to a developing nation.
(b) To what extent is aid effective in terms of addressing the problems faced by LDCs?
28. (a) Using examples, describe various sources of funds available to developing countries through trade and aid (10 marks)
(b) Evaluate trade and aid as a means of achieving economic growth and development (15 marks)
29. (a) Explain the main characteristics of a market economy (10 marks)
(b) Evaluate the proposition that economic development is best achieved through the market system (15 marks)
30. (a) Explain two significant barriers to economic growth in LDC’s
(b) Evaluate strategies that may be used to overcome the two barriers identified in (a) (15 marks)
31. (a) Explain how an increase in the quantity and quality of a nation’s factors of production can promote economic development (10 marks)
(b) Evaluate the impact of globalization on the economic development of developing countries (15 marks)
32. (a) explain why a firm may benefit from becoming a multinational corporation (10 points)
(b) evaluate the effectiveness of FDI as a means of achieving economic growth and economic development in a less developed country (15 points)
33. (a) Explain the various types of aid which a developing country might achieve (10 marks)
(b) ‘Aid is an effective means of promoting the development of poorer countries.’ Evaluate this statement. (15 points)
34. (a) Explain three institutional factors that may contribute to potential economic growth in developing countries (10 marks)
(b) Evaluate the view that economic growth will lead to economic development (15 marks)
35. (a) Explain how economic development might be measured (10 marks)
(b) Evaluate the view that the most effective way that a government could improve the welfare of its citizens is through the pursuit of faster economic growth. (15 marks)
36. (a) Explain three barriers to economic development for developing countries (10 marks)
(b) Evaluate the view that trade is more effective than aid in achieving economic development (15 marks)
Short Essays
37. In 1980 Country A (a hypothetical economy) had a Gross National Product of $100 billion, and by 1988 its Gross National Product was $150 billion. What factors must be considered in comparing welfare in 1980 with that in 1988.
38. Outline the operations of the International Monetary Fund in the world economy.
39. Why is the concept of income elasticity of demand useful to economists studying the economic development of countries?
40. How might an economy be affected by an increase in the average age of a population?
41. Gondomar and Bayona are two neighboring countries. Gondomar has a higher rate of investment whereas Bayona spends a higher proportion of its national income on consumer goods. How might these differences affect their relative growth rates in the future?
42. Which indicators, other than National Income, might be used to measure welfare?
43. How might the ‘entrepreneur’ play a role in international development?
44. Briefly contrast the policies of export promotion and import substitution as growth strategies in developing countries.
45. Bayona is a less developed country with only one main export, rice. It imports virtually everything else. Explain how Bayona can be affected by changes in the terms of trade.
46. Using a production possibility curve, explain the difference between a country’s actual growth rate and its potential growth rate.
47. Explain how income elasticity of demand can affect the balance of payments of a developing country.
48. Why ‘growth’ is not exactly the same thing as ‘development’
49. As an economy develops, a movement is often observed from primary to secondary to tertiary industry. Suggest reasons why this happens.
50. Why might a less developed country find it difficult to increase investment as a percentage of GDP?
51. The government of a Less Developed Country introduces a national lottery in order to collect revenue. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?
52. Why is the debt problem of Less Developed Countries also a problem for More Developed Countries?
53. Why are vegetables from Africa on sale in European shops, while many Africans are under-nourished?
54. Use a production possibility curve to explain the opportunity costs faced by a country choosing whether to consume or invest
55. A country with an ‘inward oriented’ development strategy changes to an ‘outward oriented’ strategy. Outline the differences which will be noticed by its citizens.
56. Explain what is meant by the phrase ‘sustainable development’ and discuss ways in which governments can encourage it to take place.
57. Outline the possible advantages of a country specialising in manufactured goods instead of primary products.
58. A Less Developed Country exports tea and imports most of its consumer durables. Explain why the terms of trade are likely to move against this country and discuss the consequences.
59. Explain why primary school education for girls is considered by many economists to be particularly worthwhile investment in Less Developed Countries?
60. What do you understand by the term ‘sustainable development’? Give an example of development, which you believe is not sustainable, and explain why.
61. The government of a Less Developed Country decides to reduce the extent of income and wealth inequality. What methods could the government use to achieve its goal?
62. Distinguish between the forms of aid which a developing country might receive.
63. As countries reach an advanced stage of development, the tertiary sector tends to expand relatively faster than the primary and secondary sectors. Why is this the case?
64. Poor people in less developed countries often derive little benefit from economic growth. Why might this be so?
65. What is human capital? Explain its importance in economic development.
66. In what ways might a more equal distribution of income contribute to economic development?
67. Why might a less developed country find difficulty in maintaining stable export revenues?
68. Explain two reasons why international indebtedness is a problem for less developed countries.
69. Explain two ways in which multinational corporations might hinder the development of less developed countries.
70. Use a production possibility curve to explain the distinction between economic growth and economic development
71. Use the Harrod-Domar model to explain the barriers to growth that may be faced by developing countries.
72. Use production possibility curve diagrams to explain the differences between actual output and potential output and between economic growth and economic development.
73. Explain how overdependence on primary products may act as a barrier to economic development.
74. Explain why economic growth is likely to generate external costs, which are a threat to sustainable development.
75. Explain the difference between outward-oriented and inward-oriented growth strategies.
76. Explain two ways in which the international indebtedness of developing countries might hinder their growth and development.
77. Explain which is likely to be higher in a Less Developed Country, Gross National Product or Gross Domestic Produst?
78. Distinguish between an outward oriented growth strategy and an ininward oriented growth strategy.
79. Explain the role of Fair Trade organizations and micro credit schemes in promoting economic development.
80. ‘Indebtedness, non-convertible currencies and capital flight are all significant barriers to economic development’. Explain two of these three factors.
81. Explain how the burning of fossil fuels (e.g. coal) by industries could create a market failure and a threat to sustainable development.
82. Using the Harrod-Domar growth model, explain how a country can increase its rate of economic growth.